Archetypes Test
General Knowledge on Archetypes
- They are the building blocks of stories
- Used to create a real feeling world that readers can connect to.
Definition of an archetype:
An archetype is a character, an event, a story or an image that recurs in different works, in different cultures and in different periods of time
Side note: Archetype is a Greek word meaning “original pattern or model”.
Character Archetypes
Hansel and Gretal
Hansel – The Innocent
Gretal – The innocent
Jack and The Bean stock
Jack – Manipulator
Pied Piper
The Pied Piper – The hero/Anti-hero
The Mayor – Corrupt Leader
Snow Queen
The Snow Queen – Antagonist
Gerda – Heroine
Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling – The Hero/ Outcast
The animals who bullied him – The Villains
Princess and the Frog
The Prince – the damsel in distress
The Frog – the creature/shapeshifter
The King – Mentor
The wicked witch – the villain
Heinrich – the loyal servant
Beauty and the Beast
Belle – Hero
Beast – Damsel in distress
Gaston – narcissist
LeFou – Sidekick
Lumiere – mentor/trickster
Clockworth – caretaker
Aladdin
Genie – mentor/supernatural aid
Jafar – evil incarnate
Aladdin – Hero
Humpty Dumpty
Humpty – Innocent
Snow White
The Queen – Villain
The Prince – Hero
The Dwarves – Friendly Beasts
Rapunzel
Rapunzel – damsel in distress/hero
The Prince – Prince Charming
Flynn Ryder – Anti-hero
Mother Gothel – Devil Figure
Sorceress – Devil Figure
The Parents (Disney) – Grieving Leaders
The Parents (Grimm) – The Fools
Little Red Ridding Hood
Little Red Ridding Hood – hero/innocent
The Wolf – seducer
Granny – Damsel in distress
The Fisherman and His Wife
The Fisherman – everyman
The Wife – The temptress/ greedy soul
The Magical Fish – magical helper/trickster
Hero’s Journey
1. Call to Adventure
2. Acceptance/ Rejection of the Call
3. Supernatural Aid
4. Crossing the Threshold
5. Rebirth of Hero
6. The Task
7. The Initiation
8. The Fall
9. The Journey
10. The Return
Folktales, Myths, Legends and Fables
Folktales
- Includes fairy tales and folklore
- Stories that have been passed down for hundreds of years
- Can include magic, imaginary creatures and talking animals
Characteristics of Folktales
- Begins with “Once upon a time…” or “There once was…”
- It is typically about ordinary people (or animals) and everyday life
- Repeats the number three often (Christianity)
- There is good and evil
- The good characters have a problem to solve
- Animals can talk
- Wishes are granted
- Happy ending (usually)
- Very well known
- Originally passed down orally
- No known author
An example is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Fables
A short story that teaches a lesson.
- Characters are usually animals
- Aesop is the most well-known author
An example of a short story is The Tortoise and the Hare.
Legends
Always about humans, but it can have magic or supernatural events.
- Based on real people
- Stories handed down for generations
- Passed off as a true story
Characteristics of a Legend
- A story from the past that was or is believed to have been historical
- About humans who met supernatural beings or creatures
- Historical but not always factual
Urban Legend
- Modern folklore
- Set in today’s time, not historical
- Contains mystery, horror, fear or humour
- Can rarely be traced to original stories
- Often told by the original witness, “I know someone who…”
- Includes a dire warning to those who don’t listen to the story’s warnings
- Includes a degree of plausibility.
An example of a legend is Sleepy Hollow.
Myths
Stories about gods, goddesses and spirits.
- Attempts to explain how the world was created
- Happened before we lived
- Can be connected to religious beliefs
Characteristics of a Myth
- The gods and goddess have human emotions
- They gods and goddess usually appear in disguises
- They either teach a lesson of explain the world
An example of a myth is Pandora’s Box.